There comes a time when you look into the mirror and you realize that what you see is all that you will ever be. And then you accept it. Or you kill yourself. Or you stop looking in mirrors.

For nowadays the world is lit by lightning! Blow out your candles, Laura -- and so goodbye. . . .

I try to work every day because you have no refuge but writing. When you're going through a period of unhappiness, a broken love affair, the death of someone you love, or some other disorder in your life, then you have no refuge but writing.

The trouble with this world is that everybody has to compromise and conform.

The most dangerous word in any human tongue is the word for brother. It's inflammatory.

If the writing is honest it cannot be separated from the man who wrote it.

How long does it have to go on? This punishment? Haven't I done time enough, haven't I served my term? can't I apply for a-pardon?